Hey sorry for the lack of updates… I have like tons of make up work for school (spring break right now..) because of my surgery and all that jazz… so that is my excuse lol :o) Happy Spring Break and if you haven’t had your spring break yet then… Happy Early Spring Break…

Chapter 6- Callie. Chosen.

Callie was a big city. Children ran through the streets, chasing chickens and picking growing weeds in the cobblestoned road. All the windows in the admirable houses were open, in case an unexpected breeze swept by. Pigeons called and chirped constantly. Mothers scolded their children, father's plowed the fields.

Jacob entered the town barely noticed. He went to do some shopping that night, and bought them each new clothes. Their old clothes were all torn and drenched with filth and grime. Jacob came running towards her; he showed no sign of fatigue.

"Anna... There's a sign for you, Bregg and Brinelle must have told the authorities. It has your name on it, so while we're here, we'll have different names. The drawing isn't so good, so that you have a slimmer chance of no one noticing you. But Anna, don't draw attention to yourself" Jacob said sternly.

Anna nodded, even though she never would admit it, cold fear crawled down her spine, like a spider.

"Um… My name will be… uh… Sarah. Yeah, Sarah." She smiled confidently, overlooking her fear.

They entered the city the next morning around eight. Anna licked her chapped lips nervously, "Shouldn't you change your name too?" she whispered as they walked down the thronged streets.

"Fine. My name will be Will" he mumbled.

"Oh, okay” she said amused.

He eyed her "What?"

Anna smirked and shook her head, “Nothing..."

"You suck you know that?" he said quietly.

She giggled as she wrapped her hand in his, and continued to walk down the streets.

"Oi, I'm gonna go see if there’s any news... Go look around, but be careful" he said strictly.

Anna glared at him in anger, "I don't need you barking orders at me like a dog. I know plenty well what is expected of me."

He just laughed at her as he walked the other way. He turned down an alley, and Anna focused her attention out in front if her, Hmm... Where should I go? She thought. Hearing the market-life to the left of her, she quickly decided to look around there. The last time she was at one, she was just a little girl, she mainly stayed at home, preparing meals, or helped Bregg with his work.

There were many people there. Many talking joyfully with their friends, wives talking to their husband's, children playing, woman gossiping. Walking to the vegetable area (it was the least crowded) she eyed the corn. Corn was her favorite vegetable, and she enjoying shedding its skin, with Brinelle. A stab of homesickness hit her; she looked at the corn sadly. Memories can make your most cheerful moods wane she thought miserably.

"Do you take a fancy for corn?" A male voice said from behind her.

She turned, unexpected by the sudden voice, and made sure her ears were covered.

"You startled me" she said, coming face to face with a teenager.

He had long, black, wavy hair, with mysterious green eyes. He looked at her thoroughly, "What’s your name?"

She looked at him, her heart stopped. "Err... Sarah" she said casually.

He raised an eyebrow. "Sarah, is it? My name is Gabe" he said in a tone that held sincerity. He stuck his hand out.

"Nice to meet you, Gabe." she said as they shook hands.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

Anna bit her lip, "Excuse me?" she asked confused, not leaving out the defensiveness in her tone.

He pointed to the corn in her hand, "Are you hungry?" he asked again, but his tone was more gentle.

Anna blushed and put the corn down. "Well... Yeah" she admitted, lowering her eyes shyly.

"Okay, follow me… Don't just stand there, come on!" he said cheerfully.

Anna raised her eyebrows, she liked this guy. He was just so forward and honest. She liked his personality. But there was no way, not once in a thousand years will she go and eat, with a complete stranger. All she knew was that his name was Gabe. She stomped her foot, she was not going anywhere. But somehow, she found herself in a small cafe; he had opened the door for her. She didn't thank him though; he had literally dragged her here.

"What, what is this?" She asked looking around the small room. There were random pictures on the wall, one of the Anora, one of a small girl holding a doll.

"Go sit, I'll get us some drinks" he gestured to a table in the dark corner.

Anna would have normally death glared anyone who told her what to do, but his tone wasn't authoritive, it was more... questioning. Asking her if she wanted to sit. Plus, in the four whole days that she had traveled with Jacob, all she had was water. A different beverage sounded tempting.

He handed her a mug of "something" and he sipped his own drink. She eyed it assertively then drank a sip.

"So, do you live here?" he asked wiping his mouth on his shirt sleeve.

"Nope. Just traveling" she said focusing her attention on her mug. She had always been a horrible liar, but it’s not lying, just not saying the whole truth she reminded herself.

"Where ya headin'?" He asked suspiciously.

"Places" she murmured. A waiter came and brought out two fish, with a side of rice and beans.

"Oh Gabe! Thank you!" She exclaimed, staring at the food hungrily. She ate the fish gratefully, and practically licked the rest of her plate clean.

"You were hungry" He concluded for her.

She glared at him, and gulped down her drink. "Are you inquiring something?" She asked raising an eyebrow.

He shook his head, his black hair covering his eyes. "So... Are you traveling alone?" he asked, his hair still obscuring his eyes.

Anna gazed at him searching for something. She shook her hand, her head drooping. He looked up now, laying his hands on the center of the table.

"Where is your heading?"

Anna tensed for a second, but she felt no fear for this man. "PineOak" she whispered.

"PineOak? The wood-elf city?" He asked incredulously.

Anna bit her tongue, hard. "Yeah...” How could I be so foolish? Her gaze focused on the mug, which was half empty. She licked her lips, a wave of nausea running through her.

"Why, may I ask, are you heading there?"

"Why does it concern you?" She asked through half closed eyes.

"Well... You have to be an elf or elf-friend to find the way... That is, if you know how to get there."

Anna stood up quickly, heart pounding in her ears. "How- How do you know this?" She asked in shaky breaths.

"I have my ways." He saw her fear and distrust glow in her eyes, he sighed. "Fine. Let’s just say that an old friend of mine, erm... foolishly slipped it out...” he said.

Anna still didn't trust this man fully, but she could tell he was being honest. What surprised her was the disgust in his voice. It sounded like hatred for a person she knew not. "Well..." Anna sat down in her chair, "I have my ways, Gabe." She answered his previous question.

He raised an eyebrow, standing as he went to pay for the meal. "So what do you want to do now?" He asked after they left the cafe.

Anna looked around, her eyes adjusting to the bright, sunny day. Jacob will be looking for me soon... I should be somewhere where he can easily spot me Anna thought. "Why don't we just go walk around?" Anna asked skipping in front of him, he laughed. She turned down the alley that she saw Jacob walk down earlier.

Gabe walked in front of her, causing her to stop abruptly. "You know... You look familiar..." He said in an odd tone.

"Well...” Anna folded her arms across her chest, not wanting to be pinned in like this, "I have never met you before."

She looked in his green eyes.

"Hmm" He looked down as if deep in thought, then his head shot up, his mouth twisting into a devious smile.

“What?" Anna asked uncomfortable.

He licked his lips. "Your name wouldn’t happen to be Anna would it Sarah?"

Anna's blood ran cold. Her heart about stopped, all that she heard was his voice ringing in her head. Just then Jacob walked behind her, he stopped, "Oh. I've been looking for you everywhere." Jacob said, his voice indifferent, inspecting Gabe closely.

Anna spun around from the sudden noise. "Oh, erm W-Will... This is Gabe, Gabe this is Will." She said quickly, her mouth feeling hot from lying, but her insides still frozen from the fear of Gabe's words. Her heart fluttered like a butterfly.

Jacob laid his hands on her shoulders, "Sarah, are you alright?" he asked, blue meeting blue.

"Y-Yes" She said dumbly.

"Is he like your boyfriend then?" Gabe asked.

Anna felt her cheeks burn hot, she looked away from Gabe's questioning gaze. Jacob tensed. "She might be. What is it to you?” He asked wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Anna still stood face down, blushing furiously.

"Sarah, can I talk to you for a second?" Gabe asked quietly. He didn't wait for her answer and pulled her out of Jacob's touch. "Your secrets safe with me, Anna. But whatever the reason is you are keeping it a secret, I won't tell... Even if I do get two hundred dollars" He whispered in her ear, chuckling.

Jacob pulled Anna back from Gabe. Gabe clearly amused by Jacob's fury, bowed in a somewhat mockingly manner.

"Nice meeting you Will, and (he smiled, but only Anna could tell) Sarah. I hope we meet again. God bless." He said walking off, looking at Anna slightly, from the corner of his eye.

"I don't like him." Jacob concluded when they walked away.

Anna sighed, "I admit, he is rather different" Anna said thoughtfully.

"Well, I bought us each a room; in the Red Inn. So we should go rest...”

The Red Inn was a large hotel. The rooms included: a dresser, a large bed, a desk, and a dresser with a mirror hung over it. Jacob had a room next door, so if he had to get to her immediately, then he could.

Anna opened the main doors that lead to the hallway again.

"I think you should get some sleep."

"Okay, I am tired..." Anna smiled as she closed her door. She drew the curtains closed and locked the door and window, blowing out her lantern on the way to her bed.

Who is Gable? Why does he know my name? Two hundred dollars? Did Bregg and Brinelle do that? Wow... We aren't the richest family. But her mind kept wandering back to Gabe; she sighed slowly and closed her eyes...

BANG! BANG! BANG! Someone pounded on her door. Anna scowled, irritated that someone woke her from her slumber. The banging persisted until Anna finally sat up groggily and threw her robe over her small frame. As she unlocked the chain-lock, she cracked the door slightly to see who disturbed her.

“Anna, just open the freaking door already! We have to go now!” Jacob whispered-screamed at her.

Without hesitation, Anna opened the door fully, frightened by his urgency. “What the devil is going on, Jacob?”

He walked straight to her vanity and began throwing her clothes on the bed.

“Jacob.” Anna stood completely awestruck.

“Just pack. I’ll explain later” he said, shuffling through the desk drawers.

“No Jacob. Explain now!” Anna stomped her foot on the wooden floor.

He didn’t even glance at her, just continued cramming her clothes and few belongings she had unpacked into her small backpack. He didn’t say a word until he tied the two strings together in a tight knot.

“Anna. I… Well… It’s umm five in the morning to begin with” He said, passing a hand through his hair.

“Yeah, go figure” Anna mumbled crossing her arms. “I need to get dressed…”

He sighed and threw the bag to her. “Hurry up. We don’t have any time.”

Anna looked at him confused and then quickly jogged to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. A few moments later she opened the door. Her blonde hair was messy. She stuffed her robe and her nightgown in her brown leather bag, she stood uncertainly facing Jacob.

“Don’t just stand there, jeez” Jacob said flatly.

Anna bit her lip; his tone wasn’t helping to lighten the mood at all. And his eyes showed what scared her even more, they burned regret and fear. As much as she wanted to scream, to cry out, to just give up, she didn’t. She didn’t have a clue what was going on. She needed something to focus her attention on. She reached for her black-laced boots, while Jacob paced back and forth scowling.

She could barely concentrate on the shoe-strings, her heart was pounding so loud and fast she could hardly even hear her own thoughts. Her fingers felt numb and frozen, she kept on having to tighten the strings all over again, and the fact that her legs were involuntarily trembling didn’t help either.

Stop it, she told herself, there’s nothing to be scared of. I need to relax, me panicking about the situation isn’t going to help at all. She wanted to be calm like Jacob. His pacing stopped abruptly as if he knew what she was thinking; he glanced at her; his face expressionless. Anna looked down, focusing her attention on the boots, trying to hide her red-hot face.

She rose silently and gently took the bag off the ground and slung the bag over her shoulder. Admiration sparkled in Jacob’s eyes, but he said nothing and did nothing that would pronounce his admiration. He led Anna through quietly through the deserted alleyways. Anna was always amazed how he could walk soundlessly. She imitated him at the best of her abilities, but her shoes would always scuff against the pebbles or graze against shards of glass. Whenever she would, Jacob would turn and bring and bring his finger to his lips.

Anna heard voices, at first they seemed like chirps of a distant bird but as they approached unseen, Anna quickly realized it was venomous shouts.

“He had pointed ears, says the lad!” someone yelled from the crowd.

“Horns more like. I never liked him or that girl” an old woman croaked.

“The girl did nothing, leave her out of this.” A familiar voice shattered everyone’s other conversations.

“He struck that lad! He has to be punished!” A husky male voice boomed. Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the throng of people.

Jacob had found a ladder that lead to the roof, he climbed up it gracefully. Anna followed him silently. He didn’t even look at her. She hated that, how he always ignored her. At first, she tried to overlook it but now it was getting more and more in the way. Slowly, she realized how she felt, not confused or nervous like she kept on repeating to herself, but a burden. That’s exactly how she felt. Of course Jacob never directly told her, but it was just his facial expressions and what he didn’t say. But whenever he would laugh or smile at her, the anger and confusion would evaporate and sometimes she would question if she ever really felt like that.

“We should search for them!” A voice said, causing Anna to zone back in reality.

Anna turned to the scene before her. Jacob stood still as a statue, he was squatting in such a way that Anna was surprised he didn’t topple over. In fact if they weren’t in such a serious situation, she would have laughed.

The whole village it seemed was gathered there. Children squirmed like worms and tugged at their mother’s skirts impatiently. The sun was now rising to the east as chickens clucked contently. It seemed all was well-except the sudden town’s meetings.

Anna knew exactly who they were talking about, but why they were she had no idea.

“They’re not there. I checked the rooms, both of them. The luggage is gone, everything’s gone.”

Anna recognized the husky hotel-keeper’s voice. He practically threw the keys at her when she asked for them. She almost slapped him, if it wasn’t for Jacob she would have too.

“Well, where are they going? What are their names? We need a more thorough description of the lot of them.” “They’re names are…” the man paused, “Well it’s Gabe who talked to both of them. Ya’ll should be askin’ him…”

Anna recognized Gabe at once. All eyes turned on him, he was propping himself up against the wall of the nearest store with his arms folded across his chest, observing his fellow friends and companions. There was a slight moment of silence as a gust of wind blew his shoulder-length hair back. She could see his emerald-green eyes from where she hid on the roof top.

He stepped into the focus of the group with emphasis on each step. “They’re names are Will and Sarah. They both are travelers.” His voice was velvety smooth, what a good liar he is Anna thought briefly.

“What about their heading?” a boy yelled.

Gabe folded his arms over his chest again, “As for they’re whereabouts, I know not.”

Murmurs of suspicion rose through the crowd.

“Do you think they’re gone? Or are the devils still here?” A mother asked, caressing her two young children.

Gabe smiled, reassuring the mother. “Oh yes. They’re long gone by now. Probably up north, that’s the easiest way to remain hidden. Seems logical, does it not?” Once again Anna was reminded of how a convincing liar he was; she remained motionless, hugging her knees on the roof.

“What if you’re cheating us?” The same grubby hotel-keeper asked.

Gabe smirked, “One can never be certain. But I provide the only evidence in this matter, so I think my word is true. After all, shouldn’t I want that Will down? He did punch me in the face. But my slippery tongue did anger him. I did deserve it.” Gabe laughed clearly amused.

She heard Jacob inhale quickly and something like bitterness shown in his expression. What possibly did Gabe do to cause such a reaction from Jacob? He would never reveal himself as the true elf that he is. That wasn’t the Jacob that I know. Jacob seemed to sense her thoughts once again or maybe her tensing, because he looked at her and slowly drew a finger to his lips. His eyes burned like fire, you could tell his patience was running thin. His eyes held something more, but before she could clearly identify it, he turned his head back to the crowd.

Men were beginning to go. Moments later they returned with swords, knives, and bow-and-arrows, all marching northwards. Children and wives scurried inside to the safety of their homes. Anna wanted to laugh, what did they think Jacob could do to them? Then cold, numb fear slithered down her spine like a snake. She did not question Jacob’s power or strength. What fool would? He could make you feel like crawling under a rock with one glance.

Anna suddenly shivered; it was kind of chilly out here. She rubbed her fore-arms nervously. But movement down below caught her eye. Gabe stood there in the middle of the street eyeing around slowly. What’s he looking for? Anna thought, even though he had a hunch. Jacob, of course, noticed it too. His spine straightened and he automatically stiffened.

Then Gabe met her gaze. She became still, stiller than life itself it seemed. Something knotted in her stomach queasily, she wanted to look away, but it was as if she was frozen there to stare into his endless emerald eyes. Jacob tensed, he looked as if he was about to pounce (or that was what Anna assumed, seeing him at the corner of her eye) on Gabe if he made any sudden movements.

He did acknowledge Jacob, but didn’t pay any heed to him. Jacob glared down at him coldly, Gabe returned the greeting. He looked towards Anna once again; she got that uneasy feeling in her gut again. His eyes seemed to smile in triumph “I told you I wouldn’t give you away” they said. Anna swallowed; her eyes were full of curiosity Gabe saw.

Questions, curiosity, courage, determination, but he saw no fear in her beautiful ocean-blue eyes. Her golden hair reached to the middle of her back. Her hair blew slightly in the humid breeze, but her gaze never faltered from his. Jacob’s blue eyes pierced him. Anna blinked and looked down as Jacob whispered something to her. She looked at him questionably. He said something again, his lips barely moving, and then she eyed Gabe again. She shook her head, and Jacob glared at him again, clearly trying to get a point across.

He saw Anna visibly sigh, Look how upset she looks! Gabe thought. Jacob looked at the ladder on the roof that led to the ground, and gestured to it. Anna stood, glancing at Gabe as she walked gingerly towards it. What kind of boy does he think he is? Ordering her around like his own personal slave!

Hot anger surged through his veins. But what he next saw made him forget about almost everything. A strong gust of wind blew. As she stood at the top of the ladder, preparing to go down, the wind blew her hair, unobscuring her ears. The first word that came to his mind was pointed. An elf, he flinched inwardly and then went numb…

Jacob saw it, oh yes! He saw it. He saw that sick excuse of a boy cast loving gazes at Anna. That fool of a boy! He thought. Anger swept through his entire system, no not jealously. He couldn’t possibly be jealous of a mere mortal. He would not be envious of a human!

Of course, he also saw the side-glances Anna gives him as they journey together. Guilt sucks him up like a tornado when he sees them. He almost already had shown his personal feelings for her. No! He had his orders and falling for Anna was clearly not one of them. He couldn’t help but feel angry towards Gabe. He gave him one last withering stare and then in a blink of an eye he was gone, following Anna.

Anna sighed for the millionth time that hour. Jacob and her were now in the woods. Her boots squished in brown mud. She didn’t mind it. She liked the feeling of all this. The feeling of adventure and mystery, adrenaline always pulsing through your veins, she just loved it. Jacob wasn’t much of a talker at all. In fact, he hardly had said anything in the two entire days, since they left Callie. He was out hunting again. He had hunted every day for about two hours at dusk.

Anna looked at the river. She was deathly afraid of water. She really didn’t know why. When she was little with Brinelle (she was about four years old here) would always have to force her to get in the bath. She used to scream and shout and cry.

Jacob had explained shortly what happened in the town. Apparently, Jacob was sitting in a small café when Gabe had just happened to walk in “at the same one he was in” (Jacob put emphasis on that phrase) Gabe made some rude comments (Jacob never said what he was commenting) and Jacob snapped, lost his temper and punched him. Gable quickly defended himself and pushed him (Anna laughed out loud at this) causing the entire café population to see his elf-ears and it escalated into the whole town.

A soft pair of footprints brought Anna from her thoughts. Jacob waved sort of in greeting and handed her some of the rabbit he found (Anna made him cook the innocent animal where he caught it so she would eat it. She couldn’t eat the animal if it was previously staring at her) Anna shuddered remembering a previous incident.

Jacob started a small fire. “We don’t need a fire… do we?” Anna asked, trying to make some sort of talk. “We need light” he muttered. Anna rolled her eyes.

Three hours later, Anna found herself getting ready for bed. Using her leather bag as a pillow and her cloak as the sheets, she felt somewhat comfortable, closing her eyes and welcomed sleep.

Jacob was watching the blazing fire, he sighed. Guilt sparkled in his eyes. “I do what I’m told.” He whispered to himself, reminding himself once again his mission. It didn’t make him feel any better. He looked at sleeping Anna and moaned, holding his head in his hands. I’m sorry, Anna. So very sorry. But even he knew how much of a lie that was.

Guess how long this was? Nine pages on word, Times New Roman, 11 as the font size, I think before fictionpress modifies it might be shorter… or longer who knows –shrugs- well I can guarantee you that I am going to post my next chapter of JBIC before posting another chapter (though I have like 4 chapters of this story already typed up) but I haven’t even wrote my chapter for my next story yet… so hopefully it’ll be soon, if you are still reading this story (which is really dull and stuff… I agree but I am still very proud of it… It is my first story on here…) than you are awesome and get any kind of fresh-baked cookies you want:o) ily! Oh and if I haven’t said before, some of the character’s pics of Chosen are on my profile thing so take a look if want too :o)

Chapter 7 Threats